Daily Routine Anchors
An IPSRT-informed weekly tracker for five daily anchors (rising, first social contact, main activity, dinner, bedtime) with target and actual times, disruptions and a focus anchor.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Social rhythm (IPSRT-informed)
- Approach / concern
- Bipolar & Mood
- Technique
- Social rhythm (IPSRT-informed)
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Daily Routine Anchors?
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) helps people with mood disorders stabilize daily routines, or social rhythms, that entrain the body clock. Tracking a small number of anchor events at consistent times is a practical way to build regularity.
Why it works
IPSRT has been associated with longer time to recurrence and greater regularity of social rhythms in bipolar I disorder (Frank et al., 2005). Regular routines and sleep are recommended in Canadian bipolar guidelines (Yatham et al., 2018).
When to use it
- Bipolar disorder
- Recurrent depression
- Shift work and irregular schedules
- Seasonal mood changes
How to use it in session
- Choose five anchor events.
- Set realistic target times.
- Record actual times daily.
- Identify disruptions.
- Focus on one anchor to stabilize first.
Clinician tips
- Regularity matters more than early times.
- Plan ahead for travel and time-zone changes.
- Original TherapyAid tool; not the copyrighted Social Rhythm Metric.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why do routines affect mood?
Daily cues like light, activity, meals and social contact help regulate the body clock, which influences sleep and mood.
Is this the Social Rhythm Metric?
No. It’s an original, simplified anchor tracker inspired by social rhythm principles.
References
Frank, E., Kupfer, D. J., Thase, M. E., Mallinger, A. G., Swartz, H. A., Fagiolini, A. M., et al. (2005). Two-year outcomes for interpersonal and social rhythm therapy in individuals with bipolar I disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(9), 996-1004.
Yatham, L. N., Kennedy, S. H., Parikh, S. V., Schaffer, A., Bond, D. J., Frey, B. N., et al. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 20(2), 97-170.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
